NASSAU, Bahamas — Western Michigan head football coach P.J. Fleck said facing MTSU in Thursday’s Popeyes Bahamas Bowl will be like looking in a mirror.

After all, the Blue Raiders and Broncos are both 7-5 and feature similar strengths on both sides of the ball.

“Coach Stockstill is one of the legendary coaches in college football and has done a great job in coaching his guys up,” Fleck said at the bowl press conference in the Bahamas on Wednesday. “When you look at MTSU, they’re identical to us. From the quarterback, running backs, offensive line and receivers.

“Then they have a no-name defense and we’re a no-name defense because the units played well collectively.”

Both teams feature a prolific quarterback (MTSU’s Brent Stockstill and WMU’s Zach Terrell) and a deadly duo at receiver.

WMU’s Corey Davis and Daniel Braverman both topped 1,200 receiving yards and were named to the All-Mid-American Conference first team.

MTSU’s Richie James was named a freshman All-American by USA Today and joined fellow receiver Ed Batties as All-Conference USA selections.

Players on MTSU’s defense such as safety Kevin Byard, who is also playing in his last game, said he always enjoys a challenge like Western Michigan presents.

“I think a lot of people like to talk about their passing game, but they have 2,000 rushing yards on the season,” Byard said. “It’s going to be a great challenge for us, but we’re very confident going into the game.

“I hear a lot of people talking about offense, but we’re going to try and make this a defensive game.”

That certainly wasn’t the case last year when MTSU and WMU rivals Western Kentucky and Central Michigan faced off in the inaugural Popeyes Bahamas Bowl.

The game turned into a thriller as Central Michigan rallied from a five-touchdown deficit, only to miss the two-point conversion on the final play and lose to the Hilltoppers.

At the bowl press conference in Murfreesboro, Rick Stockstill said he expects to see a competitive matchup.

"I hope not,” Stockstill said about the possibility of getting into a shootout. “I hope we can score, and I hope our defense can slow them down. Just because this team has a good offense and that team has a good offense you don't know.

"I like our defense, and I think our defense will rise to this challenge just like I think our offensive players will rise to this.”

When the Blue Raiders take the field at Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium on Thursday searching for their second bowl win in the FBS era, Stockstill and the Blue Raiders faithful expect one thing.

“We just have to prepare and play sound, fundamental, competitive, tough football," he said.

Reach Aldo Amato at 615-278-5109 and on Twitter @Aldo_Amato.

NEXT GAME

What: Popeyes Bahamas Bowl

Opponent: Western Michigan

When: 11 a.m., Thursday

Where: Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium (Nassau, Bahamas)

Series: First meeting

TV: ESPN

Radio: ESPN Radio

Notable: This is MTSU's fifth bowl appearance of the FBS era and marks the ninth bowl game in school history.